Matilda Alanna Kennedy chasing happy homecoming at Campbelltown Stadium
When Alanna Kennedy began her football career in Sydney’s west she was the only girl in a boys team. Now she’s heading home for one of the most important games of her career. NEW FIXTURE
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Alanna Kennedy honed her football skills just down the road and now she and her Matildas teammates are hoping Campbelltown becomes a real field of dreams for the team.
The Rosemeadow 25-year-old, who started football with the Campbelltown Cobras before moving to the Macarthur Rams, is set to take on Chinese Taiepi on Friday at Campelltown in the first of three Olympic qualifiers.
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Kennedy and her teammates will then return to Campebelltown for their match against Thailand on February 10 before a blockbuster game against China on February 13 at Parramatta.
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The long-serving Matildas defender said it is something “so special” to be playing an international on home turf that she never imagined it happening.
“Playing at Campbelltown, it is so cool,” Kennedy said.
“I’ve been in the Matildas’s seven, eight years now and only ever played in Friendlies on home soil so to have the qualifier here is exciting. So special
“When I first played I was the only girl In an all boys team so it is exciting to see how it has grown.”
And while special, Kennedy said she won’t be too emotional to get the job done.
“I don’t see myself getting too emotional. It’s an important game,” she said.
“But we will be able to feed off the energy of our fans.
“We love to show how important they are.”
The Matildas will play two of their most important matches in recent year’s at Campbelltown Stadium in a major boost for football in the area.
The rare opportunity for fans to get behind the Matildas bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics is expected to attract bumper crowds to the games.
Australian officials have worked overtime to find appropriate venues for the crucial qualifiers following the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the original host city, Wuhan.
“This is a great opportunity for the local community to experience first class football at Campbelltown Stadium, which is soon to be the home of Macarthur FC in the Hyundai A-League,” Macarthur FC Chairman Rabieh Krayam said.
The Matildas, should they qualify for Tokyo, are considered serious contenders for a medal at this years Olympics.
Amended schedule:
February 7
Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah
Thailand v China PR, 4.30pm.
Australia v Chinese Taipei, 7.30pm.
February 10
Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah
China PR v Chinese Taipei – 4.30pm.
Australia v Thailand – 7.30pm.
February 13
Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta
Australia v China PR - 7.30pm
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